The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary reopened this week in a limited capacity and with new cleaning protocols in place.
The luxury hotel closed its doors to guests on March 18, in response to Gov. Roy Cooper’s order closing bars and restaurants for sit-down service. Hourly-wage employees were laid off, but salaried and management staff continued working.
“Despite the challenges the last few months have brought, I’d be remiss not to highlight the positive aspects that have also resulted. We’ve experienced an overwhelming amount of compassion and support from our guests, staff, and community, a response that has reinforced the bond of The Umstead Hotel and Spa family,” wrote General Manager Jim Beley, in a written statement announcing the June 8 reopening.
New health and safety measures at the hotel include masks and gloves for staff, frequent cleaning and sanitation of public areas, and social distancing while checking in or otherwise interacting with staff. In addition, all guest rooms will be cleaned, sanitized and rested for 24 hours after the departure of previous guests.
Herons, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, will be serving breakfast, lunch, and limited dinner service, as well as offering patio seating by reservation. Seating in the dining room has been reduced to 56 seats, maintaining at least 6 feet between tables. Restaurant staff are required to wear masks and gloves, and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized between guests.
The bar and gift shop are also open, with guidelines to ensure social distancing. Amenities such as the spa, pool, and fitness facilities, will remain closed until later this month, according to the website.
While the hotel was closed, work also continued on previously planned renovations. In addition to the guest rooms, other hotel renovations that occurred during the closure include a new private nursing room for mothers and upgraded public restrooms.
The 150-room hotel earned AAA’s prestigious Five Diamond rating for hotels earlier this year. Reservations are currently available and can be booked by calling the hotel or by visiting the website.
